This verse demonstrates unwavering defense of God’s blessings, even in the face of great danger.
He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there to battle, and there was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people fled before the Philistines. (v.13) This verse describes a scene in which one of David’s mighty men stands his ground against overwhelming odds. “Pas-dammim” is a location in the lowland region of Judah, likely near the valley where David had previously triumphed over Goliath. This place held historical significance because it was associated with earlier encounters between Israel and the Philistines, a constant threat to Israel’s security and faithfulness during David’s reign (1010-970 BC). Although everyone else fled, this mighty warrior refused to abandon the field, trusting God’s power and standing faithfully with David, Israel’s anointed king.
The verse also emphasizes the presence of a large quantity of barley, reflecting the agricultural blessing of the land as well as its vulnerability in times of war. The Philistines had gathered to fight, threatening both the harvest and the livelihood of Israel. This dire circumstance highlights how real trust in God can manifest in defending His blessings even under dire opposition. The warrior’s act of protection and bravery points forward to how God frequently raises deliverers for those who face desperate circumstances. In a similar way, the coming of Jesus in the New Testament revealed God’s intention to provide ultimate deliverance for His people from sin and darkness (John 1:29).
Standing “with David at Pas-dammim” is symbolic of standing with God’s chosen representative and remaining faithful despite intimidation. Just as this mighty man confronted the Philistines head-on, believers are often called to stand firm in their faith, guarding what God has given them. This courageous loyalty foreshadows how Christ calls His followers to remain firm in Him (John 15:4-5) even when adversity looms.
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1 Chronicles 11:13 meaning
He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there to battle, and there was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people fled before the Philistines. (v.13) This verse describes a scene in which one of David’s mighty men stands his ground against overwhelming odds. “Pas-dammim” is a location in the lowland region of Judah, likely near the valley where David had previously triumphed over Goliath. This place held historical significance because it was associated with earlier encounters between Israel and the Philistines, a constant threat to Israel’s security and faithfulness during David’s reign (1010-970 BC). Although everyone else fled, this mighty warrior refused to abandon the field, trusting God’s power and standing faithfully with David, Israel’s anointed king.
The verse also emphasizes the presence of a large quantity of barley, reflecting the agricultural blessing of the land as well as its vulnerability in times of war. The Philistines had gathered to fight, threatening both the harvest and the livelihood of Israel. This dire circumstance highlights how real trust in God can manifest in defending His blessings even under dire opposition. The warrior’s act of protection and bravery points forward to how God frequently raises deliverers for those who face desperate circumstances. In a similar way, the coming of Jesus in the New Testament revealed God’s intention to provide ultimate deliverance for His people from sin and darkness (John 1:29).
Standing “with David at Pas-dammim” is symbolic of standing with God’s chosen representative and remaining faithful despite intimidation. Just as this mighty man confronted the Philistines head-on, believers are often called to stand firm in their faith, guarding what God has given them. This courageous loyalty foreshadows how Christ calls His followers to remain firm in Him (John 15:4-5) even when adversity looms.